Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to embark on key Egypt visit next week

Srinjoy Chowdhury

Updated Sep 15, 2022, 19:47 IST

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (file).

Photo : BCCL

New Delhi: The two-day visit by Indian Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh to Egypt next week will be part of India's attempt to strengthen strategic ties with the Middle East.

Singh, who leaves for Cairo on Sunday, will call on Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during the visit and of course, hold discussions with his counterpart, General Mohamed Al Zaki. One of the issues for discussion will be the possibility of a joint production, if possible.

There has been an interest in artillery designed and made by India. In recent years, India has produced the ATAGS and the Dhanush howitzer which have been of key interest around the world.

Besides, the Egyptian air force flies the Rafale and the Mirage-2000, both French-made. These are planes the Indian Air Force has. It has, in addition, the F-16. Cooperation between the two air forces is also possible.

The Modi government has focussed on the Middle East in recent years. India and the UAE have built very strong ties and only recently, the USA, the UAE, Israel and India took part in a dialogue that has been nicknamed the Middle East Quad.

India and Saudi Arabia also have good ties. Qatar is also a friendly country. There has also been some talk of Rajnath Singh visiting Oman, but the dates are yet to be worked out.

It is particularly important for India to have strong links with the Middle East. India imports about 80 per cent of its petroleum, and much of it comes from the Middle East. Besides, many million Indians live and work in the Gulf countries.

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